These are a few of our favourite (Italian) things.......

If you've been following our blogs, you will know we've been to Italy several times, always staying in Umbria, and usually in a charming stone house in the hills behind Assisi owned by a friend.

In early trips, we would write a blog for friends who wanted to follow our travels. Reading our 2011 blog, I came across this list of some of our favourite Italian things. It brought back such sweet memories, I thought I'd share it (with photos, of course).... 

• waking to the different moods of Mount Subasio 

• coming down for breakfast to the sound of the 9 o’clock bells ringing from the church across the valley

• the antics of the baby burro (donkey) at the agriturismo (farm stay) at the end of the drive

• creamy gelato in flavours such as fig and walnut, chocolate and orange, rose, pistachio, cherry, and hazelnuts and chocolate (bacio) - usually one a day

• strong caffe and a mouthwatering pastry for just a few euros

• sunsets across the Spoleto valley

• long lunches with a glass or two of vino shared under the grapevine
• getting to know some locals and so feeling a bit less like a tourist

• returning hospitality with new friends Birgitta and Piero (Piero was not keen on the Aussie way of serving vegetables and roast meat on the same plate)
  

• almost ALL Italian food!

• feasting on fresh figs, grapes and apples plucked from trees near the villa
• Ape three-wheel 'trucks' (so practical but they do make me laugh)

• buying plaited onions and garlic at the markets in town piazzas

• munching on delicious porchetta panini (seasoned roast pork sliced from the roasted pig on fresh crusty rolls) available from almost every market
  

• absorbing the tranquility of the hermitage on Monte Subasio where St Francis spent many hours alone with God

• the rumble and squeak of ancient tractors ploughing steep fields surrounding the house

• Luna the cheeky dog from next door who makes herself at home on the couch and beds

• Marg's delight when her poor Italian is understood

• wandering the streets of Assisi at night when the crowds have gone

• watching with awe the skill of artists painting maiolica

• maiolica painting classes with the lovely Laura Tomassini in Deruta

• olive groves and vineyards spread out below charming hilltop towns with ancient farm houses and churches tucked among the rolling Umbrian hills

• churches and lane way ceilings decorated with ancient frescoes ...

• ... and sometimes beautiful statues

• discovering new towns or new corners in familiar ones

• sharing all these experiences with lots of friends

If you've been to Italy, tell us some of your favourite things about this wonderful country and people!